Jesse Marsch has started to deliver what he promised…

Jesse Marsch has started to deliver what he promised when he took over as Leeds United boss

When Jesse Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds United boss at the end of February, many fans were not sure what to expect.

The American coach was appointed following fan favourite Bielsa's dismissal after Leeds' form went into a tailspin that saw them tumble down the Premier League table.

Marsch began his time at Elland Road urging calmness with Leeds coming off the back of a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

"I know the situation is not exactly what everyone had envisioned when the season started, but I have my energy and I'm focused and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to help this team," Marsch told Sky Sports back in March.

"I don't quite see it as 12 Cup finals - I see it as 12 games is enough time. We have to stay calm, there's no panic."

While Marsch was right to stay positive following his appointment, Leeds were only able to secure safety on the final day of last season with a 2-1 win against Brentford.

They did go on a mini run of five games unbeaten between March and April where they won three and drew two of their games, but heavy defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea left Leeds scrambling at the end of the season.

A late Pascal Strujik goal against Brighton salvaged a draw for Leeds to keep them afloat heading into the final day, which then saw them dispatch Brentford avoid relegation. This summer saw Leeds lose Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, but also add a host of new faces to their ranks.

Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra and Rasmus Kristensen have all flashed talent so far this term for the Whites, helping to mitigate the loss of two of Leeds key players from a season ago.

Ultimately, Leeds needed to freshen up their squad after not signing anyone in January. And the new signings have helped Leeds transition into what Marsch outlined when he first arrived at Leeds in Feburary.

"I think I have a lot of similarities to Marcelo in terms of the aggressiveness, the intensity and the run performances," explained Marsch.

"I'm not man-to-man, I'm more zonal and ball-orientated and with the ball I have a few other tactical ideas, but I think transforming the group because of the way they act, behave and think on the field won't be a huge 180 degree transfer.

"It will only require little adjustments and then my mentality ids all about the group and maximising people. These are young men who want to achieve something special and it's my job to help direct their energies in a way where they understand we can do that together.

"This is what I love about football: the chance to work on that on a daily basis and then have the chance at the weekend to put in out there on the pitch.

"With a club of this size and these fans, I feel we have big possibilities and it's my job to maximise the potential of those possibilities every day."

No one can fault Marsch for his positivity. It's clear as day Leeds have improved this term compared to where they were last season.

The Whites started the season in fine form, winning two of their opening three Premier League games, which included a 3-0 drubbing of Chelsea, who looked streaks ahead of Leeds when the sides last faced off at Elland Road in May.

When it comes to judging Marsch's time at Elland Road so far, it would be fair to say he was dealt a tough hand last term. The squad was injury ravaged and lacking in certain positions which hindered Leeds.

This time around, while there has been a slight dip in form recently, Leeds look far better equipped to handle the rigours of the Premier League.

Jesse Marsch has started to deliver what he promised when he took over as Leeds United boss

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